On January 8th 2010, we launched our new look for
iStopOver for World Cup 2010. Along with the new colours and images, it brings
a wealth of new functionality and features.
Based on extensive user feedback, we launched the new look
and we are very excited with the result. Please look at www.istopover.com/worldcup2010
and tell us what you think by adding your comments to this blog posting.
As we get closer to the World Cup in June 2010, our efforts
are focused in two directions. Many more Hosts are adding their listings to the
site, and there are now plenty of great listings all over South Africa, located
close to each of the soccer games. And, we are receiving more and more Guest
requests and bookings as visitors to the World Cup make their accommodations
bookings through iStopOver.
One of the most important changes we have made is to allow
Hosts to be able to offer many additional amenities directly in their listings.
This allows our Hosts who want to offer varied amenities, such as airport
pickup and drop off, meals, laundry to name just a few, to list these extra
offerings on the site. See the Blog post on “iStopOver for World Cup Ambassador
Program” for more details and read how iStopOver Hosts are helping to ensure
that Guests have a great experience in South Africa.
For Guests, we have made finding accommodations in their desired
locations much easier to find on the iStopOver site. By clicking on one of the
9 city locations or 10 stadium locations on the home page, we take you directly
to the listings close to those cities.
In the next short while, we will be making the search functionality
even more simple and powerful in order to find your ideal location amongst the
thousands of listings.
(Guest tip: remember to make multiple booking requests from
potential Hosts so that you can find the ideal location for your stay. You are
only committed once you finalize your booking payment.)
For Hosts, we have simplified the payment system, and have
made it easier to post and modify listings.
(Host tip: add lots of photos! We find that Guests are
booking locations when they can see where they will be staying).
The iStopOver team remains very excited by all the activity surrounding
the World Cup. We keep hearing from Guests all over the world how iStopOver is EXACTLY
what they are looking for: an alternative to expensive, formal hotel accommodations.
They are looking for a great experience in South Africa and are finding Hosts
ready to help them see the best of South Africa, in addition to the soccer.
As always if you have any questions or require any
assistance with listings or bookings, please contact us by email at info@istopover.com and we will gladly help
you.
See you soon in South Africa at the World Cup!!
Really interesting, thank for the info!!
Posted by Vuvuzelas at 4:46 AM on Friday, February 19, 2010